The death toll from the tragic tanker explosion in Majia Local Government Area of Jigawa State has risen to a devastating 153, with 100 people currently hospitalized.

The explosion, which has caused widespread grief and shock, initially claimed the lives of 105 people, while 70 others sustained various degrees of injuries, but the numbers have continued to rise as more victims succumb to their injuries.

In an updated statement, the police spokesperson, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the increased toll.

He also stated that those who lost their lives in the explosion have been laid to rest in a mass grave, while the injured are receiving medical treatment at several hospitals, including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Jahun General Hospital, Nguru, Hadejia, and Gumel hospitals.

Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has expressed profound sorrow over the horrific incident, personally visiting the site of the explosion to assess the damage and offer support.

The governor participated in the funeral prayer and mass burial of the victims, standing in solidarity with grieving families and the entire community during this harrowing time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time,” the governor stated, adding that the government would do everything in its power to support the injured and bereaved families.

He also pledged that the Jigawa State Government would bear the full cost of treatment for the injured, ensuring that all those affected by the inferno, now scattered across hospitals in the state and beyond, receive the best possible care.

Governor Namadi reassured the people that the government would provide much-needed assistance to the affected families while working to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.

In addition to the governor’s commitments, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) released updated figures, confirming that 107 people have now lost their lives in the accident, while 57 remain hospitalized with severe burns and injuries.

The agency has been actively involved in coordinating rescue and recovery efforts, ensuring that victims receive timely medical care and that the families of the deceased are supported during their time of mourning.

Governor Namadi also issued a public appeal, urging citizens to exercise caution and prioritize safety during emergencies.

He advised people to avoid gathering at accident sites to prevent additional casualties, stressing the need for community awareness to prevent such tragedies from escalating.

The explosion, which has now become one of the deadliest in recent memory in Jigawa State, has left an indelible mark on the local community.

Families are grappling with the unimaginable loss of loved ones, and the region has been left devastated by the sheer scale of the disaster.

However, with the swift intervention of the government and emergency agencies, there is hope that the survivors will receive the care they need to recover, and steps will be taken to avoid future incidents.